- P -
PMS- (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome): A
condition suffered by male or female when they can't
ride their motorcycle due to bad weather.
Peremptory Challenge: A challenge to a
particular juror that requires no reason. Normally
an attorney has a limited number of these
challenges.
Personal Property: Defined by the law as
"things movable." This is distinguished
from the term "real property," which
includes things such as trees, buildings and land.
Petcock: The fuel valve, usually found on
the side of the gas tank.
Petition: A formal request that the court
take some action; a complaint.
Pillion (or P-Pad): A small cushion
designed for carrying a passenger mounted behind a
solo saddle.
Plaintiff: The party bringing the case
against another.
Pleading: The process of making formal,
written statements by the litigants. All papers
filed with the court are collectively referred to as
"pleadings."
Precedent: The value that a completed case
has on deciding future cases.
Process Serving: The method by which a
defendant in a lawsuit is notified that a plaintiff
has filed a suit against him.
Product Liability: A type of strict
liability in which the manufacturer or seller is
strictly liable for injuries caused by defective
products.
Pro Se: On one's own behalf; not using an
attorney.
Punitive Damages: Damages given for the
purpose of punishing the defendant.
